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Irresistible Cheesecake Brownies Recipe

4.5 from 110 reviews

These Irresistible Cheesecake Brownies combine rich, fudgy chocolate brownies with a creamy, tangy cheesecake swirl for an indulgent dessert experience. With a perfect balance of cocoa, cream cheese, and a hint of vanilla, topped with chocolate chips and crunchy nuts, this recipe is sure to satisfy any chocolate lover’s cravings.

Ingredients

Scale

Brownie Batter

  • 1 cup Unsweetened Cocoa Powder (Choose high-quality for best results.)
  • 1 cup Granulated Sugar (Balances the richness of cocoa and cream cheese.)
  • 2 Large Eggs (Use fresh ones for optimal texture.)
  • 1 cup All-Purpose Flour (Essential for the perfect bite.)
  • 1/2 cup Melted Unsalted Butter (Don’t skip this for creamy brownies.)
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract (Enhances and deepens the overall flavors.)
  • 1 cup Chocolate Chips (For extra chocolate flavor.)
  • 1 cup Nuts (Add crushed walnuts or pecans for crunch.)

Cheesecake Swirl

  • 8 oz Cream Cheese (Opt for full-fat to maximize creaminess.)
  • 1/2 cup Powdered Sugar (Creates a delightful creamy texture.)
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract (Enhances and deepens the overall flavors.)
  • 1/2 cup Peanut Butter (Swirl in for a nutty upgrade.)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven and prepare the pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal.
  2. Mix the brownie batter: In a large bowl, whisk together the melted unsalted butter and granulated sugar until well combined. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing until smooth and glossy. Sift in the unsweetened cocoa powder and all-purpose flour. Gently stir until just combined to maintain that fudgy texture.
  3. Prepare the cheesecake mixture: In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smooth, ensuring no lumps remain. Stir in the peanut butter to add a nutty flavor.
  4. Assemble the layers: Pour half of the brownie batter into the prepared pan. Spoon dollops of the cheesecake mixture over it, then add the remaining brownie batter on top. Use a knife to gently swirl the layers together for a marbled effect.
  5. Bake the brownies: Slide the pan into your preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. Check doneness using a toothpick—it should come out slightly moist but not wet, ensuring fudginess without being undercooked.
  6. Cool and serve: Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares. This helps the layers set properly and allows neat portions to be cut.

Notes

  • For best results, use full-fat cream cheese for the richest cheesecake swirl.
  • You can substitute nuts with your preferred choice or omit them for a nut-free version.
  • If you prefer, use dark or semi-sweet chocolate chips to adjust the sweetness balance.
  • Make sure not to overmix the batter after adding the flour to keep the brownies fudgy.
  • Allowing the brownies to fully cool before slicing prevents crumbling.

Keywords: cheesecake brownies, fudgy brownies, chocolate dessert, cream cheese swirl, peanut butter brownies